Undergraduate BEng (Hons)

Electronic and Computer Systems (top-up)

Fast-track your degree and kick-start your career in computing.

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Starting
2025

Course overview

Electronics-based products play a vital role in our daily lives, from the sophisticated diagnostic equipment used in modern hospitals to leading-edge fibre optic communications. Computer technology, telecommunications and consumer electronics are advancing at an ever-increasing pace.  

Our Electronic and Computer Systems BEng (top up) is designed to allow suitably qualified students, such as successful Engineering Foundation Degree graduates, to take a one-year Stage 3 course. This leads to the same level of qualification as for students taking a traditional three-year course so you can take your expertise into the industry faster, to match your ambitions.

At Kent, we offer degree programmes teaching state-of-the-art technology, which means our graduates can work at the forefront of all the major areas of electronic engineering and build a sustainable future. 

You'll study the principles and methodology of electronic and communications engineering and gain specialist skills in hardware and software. Subjects covered include electronic circuit and system design, embedded systems design and control engineering. Our teaching is research-led so you get to know about the latest cutting-edge technologies, and this one-year programme combines theory with vitally important practical and project work – the chance to turn ideas into real systems.

Why study Electronic and Computer Systems (top-up) at Kent?

Placement opportunities

We have excellent industrial links, providing you with many placement opportunities.   

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94%

94% of research at Kent was found to be of international quality in the most recent research rankings (REF 2021).

World-class facilities.

We have invested in cutting-edge equipment and facilities that will support you during your degree.  

Demand for graduates.

In a world going through technological, economic and cultural change, the demand for our graduates is increasing every year.

Professional recognition

Accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), which enables fast-track career progression as a professional engineer.

Everything you need to know about our Electronic and Computer Systems (top-up) course

Entry requirements

The University will consider applications from students offering a wide range of qualifications. Click below to find out more.

Course structure

Our one year stage 3 programme is designed to allow suitably qualified students, such as successful Engineering Foundation Degree graduates, to take a one-year Stage 3 course. This leads to the same level of qualification as for students taking a traditional three-year course.

How you'll study

You'll have access to academics who are pushing boundaries with their research. Kent is an Academic Centre of Excellence in Cyber Security Research as well as being experts in programming languages and artificial intelligence.
We're modernising the way you learn at Kent.

In September 2025, we're launching a new curriculum and a progressive approach to assessment, timetabling and employability.

Encouraging innovation.

We have invested in cutting-edge equipment and facilities that will support you during your degree programme or research.

Your future

Our graduates find employment in a huge range of sectors such as electronic engineering and computing, telecommunications industries including radio, television and satellite communications; medical electronics, instrumentation and industrial process control. The nature of this top up programme means that if you find yourself wanting to entry the workforce quickly, to kickstart your career, Kent can provide an accelerated timeline to match your ambitions.

Help finding a job

We hold an annual Employability and Careers Day in Engineering where you can meet local and national employers and discuss career opportunities. Ongoing support is provided by the School’s dedicated Employability Officer.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees for 2025 entry

Full-time

  • UK
    £9,535*
  • EU
    £23,500
  • International
    £23,500

*The Government announced on 4 November 2024 that tuition fees in England for Home students will increase to £9,535 from £9,250 for the academic year 2025/26. This increase requires Parliamentary approval, which is expected to be given in early/mid 2025.

Tuition fees may be increased in the second and subsequent years of your course. Detailed information on possible future increases in tuition fees is contained in the Tuition Fees Increase Policy.

Your fee status

The University will assess your fee status as part of the application process. If you are uncertain about your fee status you may wish to seek advice from UKCISA before applying.

For details of when and how to pay fees and charges, please see our Student Finance Guide.

IT Equipment 

Students will require regular access to a desktop computer/laptop with an internet connection to use the University of Kent’s online resources and systems. Please see information about the minimum computer requirements for study.  

Find out more about accommodation and living costs, plus general additional costs that you may pay when studying at Kent.

Kent offers generous financial support schemes to assist eligible undergraduate students during their studies. See our funding page for more details. 

Scholarships

We have a range of subject-specific awards and scholarships for academic, sporting and musical achievement.

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Next steps

Ready to apply?

If you are from the UK or Ireland, you must apply for this course through UCAS. If you are not from the UK or Ireland, you can apply through UCAS or directly on our website if you have never used UCAS and you do not intend to use UCAS in the future.

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Kent has risen 11 places in THE’s REF 2021 ranking, confirming us as a leading research university.

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